Does a child travel consent letter need to be notarized?

Portugal (per the State Department) and the Bahamas require notarization for children traveling with non-parents. Canada says the letter does not need to be certified but its border agency recommends notarizing it to avoid delays. USA.gov says it is preferred that the letter is in English and notarized. Notarizing is the safe choice everywhere.

Do I need medical permission in the letter?

The Bahamas requires the letter to permit the accompanying adult to seek medical attention for the child if necessary. No other source we checked requires it, but it costs nothing to include, and our free template has the line.

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Traveling With Grandchildren Internationally: The Letter You Need

By Tanika Hall · Rules checked against official sources on 29 October 2026

TL;DR

Yes, grandparents can travel internationally with grandchildren. Carry a consent letter signed by both of the child's parents, ideally in front of a notary.
The letter needs the parents' contact details and copies of their signed IDs. Start with our free consent letter template.
Bring the child's passport, a copy of the birth certificate and your own passport with your name spelled the same way as on the letter.
Portugal (per the State Department) and the Bahamas require a notarized letter for children traveling with a non-parent. Canada checks these children more closely and can refuse entry without proof of permission.
Aunts and uncles follow the same steps. See can I take my niece out of the country?

Can grandparents travel internationally with grandchildren?

Yes. No US rule stops a grandparent from taking a grandchild abroad. The State Department says the US does not require evidence of parents' permission for a child to travel internationally. The catch is the other end of the trip. The State Department says some countries require a notarized, written permission letter from the parents when a child travels with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, and Canada says a child traveling with an adult other than a parent will not be admitted if the officer is not convinced the parents authorized the stay. So the answer is yes, with the right letter in your bag.

Why grandparents get asked

Border officers look out for children taken without permission. Canada's border agency says its officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about minors traveling with you. UK Border Force says it may ask an adult who is not the child's parent a few questions to establish the relationship. A grandparent with the right letter answers those questions in seconds.

What the US says

The State Department says the US does not require evidence of parents' permission for a child to travel internationally, but that some countries require a notarized, written permission letter from the parents or legal guardians when the child travels with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian. USA.gov adds that when a child travels with a guardian or alone, both parents should sign the letter.

Sources: US State Department: travel with minors · US Customs and Border Protection: children traveling to another country without their parents · USA.gov: travel documents for children

Do both parents need to sign?

Yes, both parents. Canada says the letter should be signed by everyone with custody or decision-making responsibility who is not traveling, and that the parents can sign one letter together or separate letters. If one parent has sole custody, carry a copy of the custody order as well.

What goes in the letter

Copy the free consent letter template and fill it in. It already has every line below.

the grandchild's full name, date of birth and passport number
your full name, address and phone number, and that you are the child's grandparent
the destination, the dates you leave and return and the reason for the trip
both parents' names, addresses and phone numbers
permission for you to seek medical attention for the child if necessary
each parent's signature, made in front of a notary, with a copy of their signed ID attached

Portugal's letter for non-parents must give the dates and reason for travel and details of the responsible adult, and the Bahamas requires the letter to permit the accompanying adult to seek medical attention for the child. Including both meets the strictest rules we found.

What do I bring to the airport?

the grandchild's passport and a copy of their birth certificate, which the State Department says to always bring
the original signed letter, notarized if you can, and a spare copy
a photocopy of each signing parent's signed passport or ID, attached to the letter, which Canada asks for
your own passport, with your name spelled the same way as on the letter
the parents' phone numbers saved in your phone, since Canada and the UK both ask for their contact details

Airlines can also ask. Check your airline's own page on children traveling with adults who are not their parents before you fly, and keep the letter in your carry-on, not in checked luggage.

Destinations with specific rules

Portugal: notarized parental consent letter required for children traveling with adults other than a parent (State Department).
The Bahamas: notarized letter from the legal guardians required, including permission to seek medical attention.
Canada: children with adults other than their parents need proof of permission and may be refused entry without it. Canada publishes a sample letter, and our Canada guide explains what a parent authorization letter to travel to Canada should say.
Jamaica: the State Department says a notarized letter is required even when one parent travels, so carry one signed by both parents.

Proving you are the grandparent

No official source we found says which papers prove you are a child's grandparent. UK Border Force suggests carrying a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child. In practice, the parents' signed letter is what does the work, so make sure your name on it matches your passport exactly.

Common questions

Can grandparents travel internationally with grandchildren?: Yes. The State Department says the US does not require evidence of parents' permission for a child to travel internationally, but some countries require a notarized, written permission letter from the parents when a child travels with a non-parent. Carry a letter signed by both parents, the child's passport and a copy of the birth certificate and you are set.
Do both parents need to sign?: If the child travels with a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend, yes. USA.gov says both parents should sign when a child travels with a guardian or alone, and Canada asks every parent with custody or decision-making responsibility who is not traveling to sign. If only one parent is on the trip, the parent staying home signs. If one parent has sole custody, that parent signs and you carry a copy of the custody order.
Does a child travel consent letter need to be notarized?: Portugal (per the State Department) and the Bahamas require notarization for children traveling with non-parents. Canada says the letter does not need to be certified but its border agency recommends notarizing it to avoid delays. USA.gov says it is preferred that the letter is in English and notarized. Notarizing is the safe choice everywhere.
What do I bring to the airport?: The child's passport and a copy of their birth certificate, which the State Department says to always bring. The original signed letter, notarized if you can, with a photocopy of each signing parent's signed passport or ID attached, which Canada asks for. Your own passport, with your name spelled the same way as on the letter. Save the parents' phone numbers in your phone.
Do I need medical permission in the letter?: The Bahamas requires the letter to permit the accompanying adult to seek medical attention for the child if necessary. No other source we checked requires it, but it costs nothing to include, and our free template has the line.

Want the letters ready to fill in? The Child Travel Consent Kit has Letter A for one parent traveling, Letter B for a grandparent, relative or friend, a notarization checklist and notes for ten destinations. Get the kit for $14.

Related guides

This guide explains what official sources say. It is not legal advice, and border officers apply the rules on the day. Check the linked source and your airline's own rules before you fly, and talk to a family law attorney if there is a custody order or a dispute.